What is a tracking system?

There are several Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) tracking systems operating in the United States. These systems are crucial for verifying the ownership and environmental attributes of renewable electricity generation. Here is a list of the main tracking systems:

• M-RETS (Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System): Covers a broad region including the Midwest and extends across North America. It tracks renewable electricity and renewable thermal energy.
• WREGIS (Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System): Serves the Western Interconnection, which includes 14 western states in the US, western Canada, and northern Baja California.
• NEPOOL GIS (New England Power Pool Generation Information System): Tracks generation attributes, including RECs, for the six New England states.
• PJM GATS (Generation Attribute Tracking System): Operated by PJM Environmental Information Services, Inc., it serves the PJM Interconnection region, which includes all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.
• NYGATS (New York Generation Attribute Tracking System): Tracks generation attributes for the state of New York.
• MIRECS (Michigan Renewable Energy Certification System): Specifically tracks renewable energy generated in Michigan.
• NC-RETS (North Carolina Renewable Energy Tracking System): Tracks renewable energy certificates in North Carolina.
• NVTREC (Nevada Tracks Renewable Energy Credits): Serves as the REC tracking system for Nevada.
• ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas): While primarily an independent system operator, ERCOT also has a system for tracking renewable energy generation within Texas.
• NAR (North American Renewable Registry): A system that allows registration from generators located anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

These tracking systems play a vital role in supporting renewable energy markets by:

• Issuing unique RECs for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity generated.
• Tracking the ownership of these RECs as they are bought, sold, and transferred.
• Facilitating the retirement of RECs when they are used for compliance with renewable energy standards or voluntary claims.
• Providing data and verification for regulatory compliance and green power product marketing.

These systems help ensure transparency and prevent double-counting in the renewable energy market.